Chapter Three
AN: Thanks all that reviewed last two chapters!!! Mandi, Aharrypotter1fan, Snufalufagus, Sirius Lover: Glad ya'll liked it! Walking Contradiction: Awww, thankies!! I look forward to having some fun with the bet *evil grin* Roxy: what no bunnies?!! Hmm must have been a glitch, lol! Mmm what I wouldn't do for some pizza! Lady Fuchsia: You wanted more, so here it is. (
Three identical screams traveled down the stairs and into the common room, where the marauders were all looking quite pleased with themselves. Sirius twirled his wand and blew imaginary smoke off the tip of it. Remus and James laughed, and all three of them left the common room in high spirits.
The girls didn't show up for breakfast, but when it came time for classes they trudged up a flight of stairs towards History of Magic. They arrived in the room amid stares and laughter, but Professor Binns didn't seem to notice. In fact, he didn't seem to notice much in general. He was old, boring, and as good as deaf. The marauders were constantly testing him by yelling, throwing quaffles around, and even setting off fireworks (however he did notice the latter).
Lily slumped down in her desk and pulled her enormous history of magic book up, so that her face was covered. People kept whispering things at her like: "Lily what's up with the face paint? Halloween is over!" and some muggle born kept saying, "25, 36, HUT!"
Agatha and Elysa weren't having any better luck. She saw Sirius leaned over, taunting Elysa, who had her head down on her desk. Elysa seemed to be tolerating him well enough. In fact, Lily was in awe of her friend's state of tranquility. Then to her amusement and jealousy, she noticed an earplug protruding from her friend's ear.
However, it all seemed to be getting to Agatha. She was slightly red with anger, and appeared to be snapping at Peter Pettigrew. He muttered something back and turned around looking slightly worried.
Lily was really tired, and if that kid said hut one more time, she was going to scream. About an hour later, Lily, Elysa, and Agatha walked out of the classroom furious.
"You couldn't pay me to go to another class, after that. I am skiving off!" Elysa declared. (Sirius had pulled out her earplugs, while she was asleep. Then, he had ridiculed her for the remainder of the class.)
Lily sighed. "We can't skip McGonagall's class. She'd have a fit!"
"Oh yes, we can." Agatha said firmly.
"Come on Lil, we'll just sit around in the common room. It won't be a big deal. I promise." Elysa coaxed.
"Well, I guess." Lily said uncertainly.
As promised, the girls headed back to the common room. Once there, they sat on the couch closest to the fire in silence, listening to the heavy rain patter against the glass. Lily was just about to suggest a game of chess when the portrait hole began to slowly open.
Lily gasped; then quickly whipped out her wand muttering a spell. She felt as if a warm blanket had been dropped over her. She ducked behind the couch, pulling the other two girls with her.
"Oww, what the fu-" Elysa started, but a hand muffled her sound. She glared over at Lily, but Lily wasn't even paying her any attention.
Elysa listened carefully and heard the portrait hole squeak shut. She was curious to know who had entered, but didn't want to risk movement. She was quickly beginning to regret her hasty decision. Skipping class had been a horrible idea.
Lily was slowly dragging herself closer to the edge of the couch. She peeked around the side of the couch and saw the figure was returning from the girl's dorm stairs. She couldn't fathom why anyone would go up there, especially during this time of the day. As the figure descended it became apparent to her that this was not a teacher.
It was a man, but she couldn't determine anything more since he had a black hood covering his face. Suddenly the portrait creaked open again and more footsteps echoed into the room. Lily tried to get a better view, but made the couch scratch the floor softly instead. The figure turned around sharply, but finding nothing he slowly turned back to his task.
The black cloaked figures all formed a circle with the original man in the center. He flicked his wand violently and the lights died immediately. He spoke softly at first over the object, the others chanting softly behind him. As the man got louder, a sort of ball of light grew over the object. Then, before they had time to think twice the men had all disapperated and the lights had been restored.
The three girls remained silent for a long time afterwards. Then at last, Lily beckoned to the others. Elysa got up to follow, but Agatha didn't move. She was frozen with her legs crossed and eyes rolled to the back of her head. Elysa grabbed Lily's arm to prevent her from leaving. She pointed at Agatha.
"Is she alright?" Lily mouthed to Elysa.
"I have no idea." Elysa mouthed back.
Agatha sat straight up abruptly. She blinked a few times. Lily looked at her questioningly, but Agatha merely stared at her numbly.
"Are you okay?" She whispered softly.
Agatha nodded and followed Lily and Elysa out of the common room. They walked swiftly down the corridors, until Lily stopped and tapped an old crone's hump. She stepped into the blank space and beckoned the others to follow.
"Lumos," She muttered filling the tunnel with light. "I think it is okay if we talk now."
"What just happened in there?" Elysa asked, shaking.
"I'm not sure exactly, but there were several men in black cloaks. They definitely weren't teachers. Maybe not even students. I think one of them stole something from our dorm. They were chanting a really powerful spell over it. I'm almost positive it was dark arts."
"I couldn't really see anything from where I was at. How come he couldn't see us?"
"Oh. I put a spell on us to make us invisible, but I wasn't sure if it would last; that's why I pulled you two behind the couch. We can see each other but no one else can."
"Oh, ok. Thank God one of us is a genius at charms. Agatha, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just.well.."
"Well what? What happened? That wasn't normal Aggie. You scared us."
"I'm sorry it's just." She tried to force the words out, "I have a gift, or at least that is what my grandmother calls it. Have you ever heard the old wife's tale saying that when a child is born with caul over its face, that it will have the second sight? Well apparently it is true. I can see things, sometimes. They don't always happen, but."
"Wow. Why didn't you tell us," Lily asked, shocked.
"I dunno. I always hoped it would just go away."
"Why would you want that to happen?!" Elysa asked.
"Sometimes, it is best, not to know what will happen. The future isn't always bright." She replied, solemnly.
"What did you see?" Lily asked softly.
"I can't remember." She said, diverting her eyes to the floor.
Lily decided not to press the subject.
There was a long pause.
Finally, Lily asked the question they were all secretly wondering. "Do you think we should tell a teacher?"
"Oh yeah, Lily." Elysa said sarcastically. "Well you see Professor, while we were sitting in the common room skipping class..."
"I guess your right." She agreed.
"Why don't we all go to Hogsmeade and try to get our minds off this?" Elysa suggested. "After all, that is where this passage leads."
"But what about the mascara?"
"Oh I wouldn't worry about that. There are much more interesting looking people than us there. We'll hardly even be noticed." **** The girls went through the trapdoor and quickly walked out of the stock room. They headed straight to the pub for a round of butterbeers.
After they had warmed up a little and had their fill of butterbeer, they felt considerably better.
Lily even suggested they venture out Christmas shopping. Despite the pouring rain, Hogsmeade was still lovely. As long as the girls stuck to the awning covered path, they needn't worry about getting wet. Despite the gloomy weather, Hogsmeade maintained its cheerful atmosphere. There were Christmas decorations and wreaths galore.
Lily took the opportunity to finish her Christmas shopping. She picked out a charmed art set for Petunia. It had colored pencils, pastels, paints, brushes, and a pad of assorted paper types, but the truly wonderful thing about it was the fact that nothing ever ran out. The pencils would never need sharpening, the brushes would never need washing, and the paper would never run out. Petunia, being the aspiring artist Lily knew, would adore it.
For her mother, Lily chose an apron, which could never get dirty, ad a cookbook with varied recipes from the wizarding and muggle world. Her mother, with her flare for cooking and love for the wizarding world, would enjoy both gifts.
For her father, she bought a book on the history of the ancient Egyptians. He enjoyed reading about stuff like that, but the muggle books he read had very limited knowledge compared to that of the wizards.
All too soon, it was time for the girls to return to Hogwarts. When they arrived back, Elysa and Agatha went fast to sleep, but Lily couldn't go to sleep. She had too much on her mind. She kept thinking about the spell she had witnessed and the man. She wondered if her friends were safe at school and what Agatha had seen. Finally, she drifted to sleep. Her mind in turmoil.
"Lily. It's time to wake up." Someone said in a singsong voice.
"No it isn't." She mumbled and rolled over, covering her face with an arm. The 'someone' shook her. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Oh, no. It's you again." She said groggily.
James laughed, and Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Again?"
"Shut up, you. So, Lily have you started writing that song yet?"
"What?!"
"I know you haven't forgotten our little bet!" He smiled evilly.
"Oh no that wasn't yesterday was it!?" He nodded happily. Lily put her face into her pillow and screamed.
"Feel better," Remus asked, with a sympathetic smile.
"No, not really." She muttered.
"Oh and by the way nice PJs, Lil." Sirius winked. She looked down. She was wearing a skimpy spaghetti strap shirt and long flannel pajama bottoms. Lily blushed and ran up to her dormitory to change.
She changed into her muggle clothing and ran down to the dungeons.
After a considerable amount of pleading, she finally convinced the potions master into letting her retake the test. She did so at a rapid pace and dashed up the stairs to breakfast.
The Great Hall was beautifully decorated and warm snow was gently falling from the enchanted ceiling.
Dumbledore stood up. "If I may have your attention for just a moment." The babble subsided. "As you already know, the Dark Lord Voldemort has gained a great deal of power over the last year. I'd like to have a moment of silence for the countless victims of his attacks." The hall went silent. Dumbledore cleared his throat after a few minutes. "I wish you all a safe holiday. Now, you may return to your meal."
"The Hogwarts Express is now boarding, for those students going home for the holidays," Professor McGonagall announced, a few moments later. Lily, Remus, and Agatha all rose from their seats.
"So..Which one of you is going to carry my suitcase?" Lily asked, with a mischievous smile. She looked from Sirius to James.
James gave Sirius a look. "Forget it, man! She's your girl."
James glared at him. "How many times do I have to tell you, I don't like her!" Sirius rolled his eyes and went back to his breakfast.
Lily picked up her spoon calmly, and filled it with oatmeal. She flicked it in Sirius's face. Sirius sputtered and before he realized what had happened Lily was gone, dragging James behind her.
As the train pulled away, Lily felt a sense of relief. Hogwarts was her home, and she loved almost everything about it, but things had been so confusing lately. First, James. Then, those people in the common room. And whatShe was looking forward to a nice boring winter vacation. She couldn't wait to see her family again and she was looking forward to all of her favorite Christmas traditions.
A few hours later, Lily sat in the car surrounded by her family. They were all pleased to see each other. Petunia and Lily were sitting in the back talking companionably about how their school year was going.
When, they finally got home Lily flopped onto her bed and sighed. It was good to be home. It had been too long. Lily showed Petunia some magic. In turn Petunia, who had a knack for drawing, showed Lily her latest sketches.
Finally, Christmas day came. Lily woke up early and ran into Petunia's room. She jumped up and down on her sister's bed. "Tunia! Wake up! It's Christmas!" Petunia sat up almost immediately, and the two of them ran to wake up their parents.
Lily received a beautiful drawing of herself and Petunia. She ran over and hugged her sister. Petunia smiled. From her parents, she acquired many new things, including a pretty red sweater, a camera, and a nice-looking picture frame. Lily promised Petunia she would enchant any pictures she took to move, and send her a few in the mail.
Once the heaps of presents disappeared, Lily and Petunia headed back to their rooms. Lily walked in her room and squealed. There was a small pile of presents sitting on her bed. They were from her Hogwarts friends. The first one she picked up had a small card attached to it.
Hey Lil, Hope you are having a good holiday. I know I am. Enjoy the present. Sincerely, Remus P.S. I suggest naming him James.
Inside the parcel was a teddy bear. Lily touched it's nose. It was adorable. Kind of like James, really.
The next package was from Sirius. There was no note attached. She opened up the parcel to find not a present, but another box and then another and yet another. Several boxes later, she found a bit of parchment. It read simply:
I owe you. Sirius
Lily snorted. Not that she was surprised. She quickly unwrapped the next box to find a note and some sparkling powder in a bag. The bag read 'Wishes Can Come True'. She opened the letter curiously.
Dear Lily, I hope you like your present. It is pixie dust. Take a pinch and sprinkle it on yourself and something good will happen. Happy Christmas! Agatha
She wasn't too sure about 'something good happening', but she knew she had read something about the magical uses of pixie dust and hoped it would prove useful.
The next package was from Elysa. She ripped it open. For some odd reason it contained a harmonica. She shrugged and grabbed up the last thing. It was a letter. She ripped it open.
Dear Lily, I am afraid your present can't be sent through mail. You'll see what I mean later. Love (Not like that), James
Lily thought to herself, Yeah right. He probably just forgot to get me something.
**** Lily was halfway asleep, when she heard a bloodcurdling scream. She looked out through her door, that was cracked open, and saw a flash of green light. Then, she saw a body fall backward and land with a sickening thud. Oh my God. This can't be happening! Lily thought, panicking.
She went out her window, and climbed through the shrubs over to Petunias window. Luckily, it was open. She leaned in and called softly, "Petunia, Petunia, we have got to get out of here, now!"
Shaking, Petunia crawled out. "But what about mum and dad, Lily? We can't just leave them!"
Lily choked back tears. "You don't understand Petunia. They're gone. I saw everything. Now come on."
They crept into the woods behind their house and waited there, shivering in the cold, crying.
Lily awoke to her someone shouting, "Oi! They're alive! Over here!" A young wizard stood in front of them. "Don't you kids worry. We'll have you out of here and safe in a jiffy. Name's Frank Longbottom."
The two girls spent the remainder of the day speaking to inquiring neighbors, trying to help tidy the mess, and mourning.
By night fall, Petunia and Lily's grandmother had showed up. Petunia would be living with her, and Lily would be returning to school. Lily thought it best to go ahead and get back to Hogwarts, so she owled Dumbledore. His response came almost immediately. He gave her permission to return to the castle early and sent his condolences.
The knight bus pulled up with a screech. Lily reached out to hug her sister, but Petunia pulled away. "I can't believe you! It's your fault mom and dad are dead, and now you are going to go away and leave me here all alone," She ended with a shriek.
"I'm sorry Tunia, but I have to go. I'll be back for summer vacation though."
"Don't bother! I never want to speak to you again," Petunia yelled to Lily's retreating back. Lily gave her sister one final sad glance and stepped aboard the Knight Bus.
AN: Well, I hope that wasn't too bad. I decided to make lily and Petunia friends because I don't think two sisters could really hate each other that much. Something big would have had to come between them first. And it just did! Thanks, and let me know if you see any errors.REVIEW.puhleez?
AN: Thanks all that reviewed last two chapters!!! Mandi, Aharrypotter1fan, Snufalufagus, Sirius Lover: Glad ya'll liked it! Walking Contradiction: Awww, thankies!! I look forward to having some fun with the bet *evil grin* Roxy: what no bunnies?!! Hmm must have been a glitch, lol! Mmm what I wouldn't do for some pizza! Lady Fuchsia: You wanted more, so here it is. (
Three identical screams traveled down the stairs and into the common room, where the marauders were all looking quite pleased with themselves. Sirius twirled his wand and blew imaginary smoke off the tip of it. Remus and James laughed, and all three of them left the common room in high spirits.
The girls didn't show up for breakfast, but when it came time for classes they trudged up a flight of stairs towards History of Magic. They arrived in the room amid stares and laughter, but Professor Binns didn't seem to notice. In fact, he didn't seem to notice much in general. He was old, boring, and as good as deaf. The marauders were constantly testing him by yelling, throwing quaffles around, and even setting off fireworks (however he did notice the latter).
Lily slumped down in her desk and pulled her enormous history of magic book up, so that her face was covered. People kept whispering things at her like: "Lily what's up with the face paint? Halloween is over!" and some muggle born kept saying, "25, 36, HUT!"
Agatha and Elysa weren't having any better luck. She saw Sirius leaned over, taunting Elysa, who had her head down on her desk. Elysa seemed to be tolerating him well enough. In fact, Lily was in awe of her friend's state of tranquility. Then to her amusement and jealousy, she noticed an earplug protruding from her friend's ear.
However, it all seemed to be getting to Agatha. She was slightly red with anger, and appeared to be snapping at Peter Pettigrew. He muttered something back and turned around looking slightly worried.
Lily was really tired, and if that kid said hut one more time, she was going to scream. About an hour later, Lily, Elysa, and Agatha walked out of the classroom furious.
"You couldn't pay me to go to another class, after that. I am skiving off!" Elysa declared. (Sirius had pulled out her earplugs, while she was asleep. Then, he had ridiculed her for the remainder of the class.)
Lily sighed. "We can't skip McGonagall's class. She'd have a fit!"
"Oh yes, we can." Agatha said firmly.
"Come on Lil, we'll just sit around in the common room. It won't be a big deal. I promise." Elysa coaxed.
"Well, I guess." Lily said uncertainly.
As promised, the girls headed back to the common room. Once there, they sat on the couch closest to the fire in silence, listening to the heavy rain patter against the glass. Lily was just about to suggest a game of chess when the portrait hole began to slowly open.
Lily gasped; then quickly whipped out her wand muttering a spell. She felt as if a warm blanket had been dropped over her. She ducked behind the couch, pulling the other two girls with her.
"Oww, what the fu-" Elysa started, but a hand muffled her sound. She glared over at Lily, but Lily wasn't even paying her any attention.
Elysa listened carefully and heard the portrait hole squeak shut. She was curious to know who had entered, but didn't want to risk movement. She was quickly beginning to regret her hasty decision. Skipping class had been a horrible idea.
Lily was slowly dragging herself closer to the edge of the couch. She peeked around the side of the couch and saw the figure was returning from the girl's dorm stairs. She couldn't fathom why anyone would go up there, especially during this time of the day. As the figure descended it became apparent to her that this was not a teacher.
It was a man, but she couldn't determine anything more since he had a black hood covering his face. Suddenly the portrait creaked open again and more footsteps echoed into the room. Lily tried to get a better view, but made the couch scratch the floor softly instead. The figure turned around sharply, but finding nothing he slowly turned back to his task.
The black cloaked figures all formed a circle with the original man in the center. He flicked his wand violently and the lights died immediately. He spoke softly at first over the object, the others chanting softly behind him. As the man got louder, a sort of ball of light grew over the object. Then, before they had time to think twice the men had all disapperated and the lights had been restored.
The three girls remained silent for a long time afterwards. Then at last, Lily beckoned to the others. Elysa got up to follow, but Agatha didn't move. She was frozen with her legs crossed and eyes rolled to the back of her head. Elysa grabbed Lily's arm to prevent her from leaving. She pointed at Agatha.
"Is she alright?" Lily mouthed to Elysa.
"I have no idea." Elysa mouthed back.
Agatha sat straight up abruptly. She blinked a few times. Lily looked at her questioningly, but Agatha merely stared at her numbly.
"Are you okay?" She whispered softly.
Agatha nodded and followed Lily and Elysa out of the common room. They walked swiftly down the corridors, until Lily stopped and tapped an old crone's hump. She stepped into the blank space and beckoned the others to follow.
"Lumos," She muttered filling the tunnel with light. "I think it is okay if we talk now."
"What just happened in there?" Elysa asked, shaking.
"I'm not sure exactly, but there were several men in black cloaks. They definitely weren't teachers. Maybe not even students. I think one of them stole something from our dorm. They were chanting a really powerful spell over it. I'm almost positive it was dark arts."
"I couldn't really see anything from where I was at. How come he couldn't see us?"
"Oh. I put a spell on us to make us invisible, but I wasn't sure if it would last; that's why I pulled you two behind the couch. We can see each other but no one else can."
"Oh, ok. Thank God one of us is a genius at charms. Agatha, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just.well.."
"Well what? What happened? That wasn't normal Aggie. You scared us."
"I'm sorry it's just." She tried to force the words out, "I have a gift, or at least that is what my grandmother calls it. Have you ever heard the old wife's tale saying that when a child is born with caul over its face, that it will have the second sight? Well apparently it is true. I can see things, sometimes. They don't always happen, but."
"Wow. Why didn't you tell us," Lily asked, shocked.
"I dunno. I always hoped it would just go away."
"Why would you want that to happen?!" Elysa asked.
"Sometimes, it is best, not to know what will happen. The future isn't always bright." She replied, solemnly.
"What did you see?" Lily asked softly.
"I can't remember." She said, diverting her eyes to the floor.
Lily decided not to press the subject.
There was a long pause.
Finally, Lily asked the question they were all secretly wondering. "Do you think we should tell a teacher?"
"Oh yeah, Lily." Elysa said sarcastically. "Well you see Professor, while we were sitting in the common room skipping class..."
"I guess your right." She agreed.
"Why don't we all go to Hogsmeade and try to get our minds off this?" Elysa suggested. "After all, that is where this passage leads."
"But what about the mascara?"
"Oh I wouldn't worry about that. There are much more interesting looking people than us there. We'll hardly even be noticed." **** The girls went through the trapdoor and quickly walked out of the stock room. They headed straight to the pub for a round of butterbeers.
After they had warmed up a little and had their fill of butterbeer, they felt considerably better.
Lily even suggested they venture out Christmas shopping. Despite the pouring rain, Hogsmeade was still lovely. As long as the girls stuck to the awning covered path, they needn't worry about getting wet. Despite the gloomy weather, Hogsmeade maintained its cheerful atmosphere. There were Christmas decorations and wreaths galore.
Lily took the opportunity to finish her Christmas shopping. She picked out a charmed art set for Petunia. It had colored pencils, pastels, paints, brushes, and a pad of assorted paper types, but the truly wonderful thing about it was the fact that nothing ever ran out. The pencils would never need sharpening, the brushes would never need washing, and the paper would never run out. Petunia, being the aspiring artist Lily knew, would adore it.
For her mother, Lily chose an apron, which could never get dirty, ad a cookbook with varied recipes from the wizarding and muggle world. Her mother, with her flare for cooking and love for the wizarding world, would enjoy both gifts.
For her father, she bought a book on the history of the ancient Egyptians. He enjoyed reading about stuff like that, but the muggle books he read had very limited knowledge compared to that of the wizards.
All too soon, it was time for the girls to return to Hogwarts. When they arrived back, Elysa and Agatha went fast to sleep, but Lily couldn't go to sleep. She had too much on her mind. She kept thinking about the spell she had witnessed and the man. She wondered if her friends were safe at school and what Agatha had seen. Finally, she drifted to sleep. Her mind in turmoil.
"Lily. It's time to wake up." Someone said in a singsong voice.
"No it isn't." She mumbled and rolled over, covering her face with an arm. The 'someone' shook her. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Oh, no. It's you again." She said groggily.
James laughed, and Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Again?"
"Shut up, you. So, Lily have you started writing that song yet?"
"What?!"
"I know you haven't forgotten our little bet!" He smiled evilly.
"Oh no that wasn't yesterday was it!?" He nodded happily. Lily put her face into her pillow and screamed.
"Feel better," Remus asked, with a sympathetic smile.
"No, not really." She muttered.
"Oh and by the way nice PJs, Lil." Sirius winked. She looked down. She was wearing a skimpy spaghetti strap shirt and long flannel pajama bottoms. Lily blushed and ran up to her dormitory to change.
She changed into her muggle clothing and ran down to the dungeons.
After a considerable amount of pleading, she finally convinced the potions master into letting her retake the test. She did so at a rapid pace and dashed up the stairs to breakfast.
The Great Hall was beautifully decorated and warm snow was gently falling from the enchanted ceiling.
Dumbledore stood up. "If I may have your attention for just a moment." The babble subsided. "As you already know, the Dark Lord Voldemort has gained a great deal of power over the last year. I'd like to have a moment of silence for the countless victims of his attacks." The hall went silent. Dumbledore cleared his throat after a few minutes. "I wish you all a safe holiday. Now, you may return to your meal."
"The Hogwarts Express is now boarding, for those students going home for the holidays," Professor McGonagall announced, a few moments later. Lily, Remus, and Agatha all rose from their seats.
"So..Which one of you is going to carry my suitcase?" Lily asked, with a mischievous smile. She looked from Sirius to James.
James gave Sirius a look. "Forget it, man! She's your girl."
James glared at him. "How many times do I have to tell you, I don't like her!" Sirius rolled his eyes and went back to his breakfast.
Lily picked up her spoon calmly, and filled it with oatmeal. She flicked it in Sirius's face. Sirius sputtered and before he realized what had happened Lily was gone, dragging James behind her.
As the train pulled away, Lily felt a sense of relief. Hogwarts was her home, and she loved almost everything about it, but things had been so confusing lately. First, James. Then, those people in the common room. And whatShe was looking forward to a nice boring winter vacation. She couldn't wait to see her family again and she was looking forward to all of her favorite Christmas traditions.
A few hours later, Lily sat in the car surrounded by her family. They were all pleased to see each other. Petunia and Lily were sitting in the back talking companionably about how their school year was going.
When, they finally got home Lily flopped onto her bed and sighed. It was good to be home. It had been too long. Lily showed Petunia some magic. In turn Petunia, who had a knack for drawing, showed Lily her latest sketches.
Finally, Christmas day came. Lily woke up early and ran into Petunia's room. She jumped up and down on her sister's bed. "Tunia! Wake up! It's Christmas!" Petunia sat up almost immediately, and the two of them ran to wake up their parents.
Lily received a beautiful drawing of herself and Petunia. She ran over and hugged her sister. Petunia smiled. From her parents, she acquired many new things, including a pretty red sweater, a camera, and a nice-looking picture frame. Lily promised Petunia she would enchant any pictures she took to move, and send her a few in the mail.
Once the heaps of presents disappeared, Lily and Petunia headed back to their rooms. Lily walked in her room and squealed. There was a small pile of presents sitting on her bed. They were from her Hogwarts friends. The first one she picked up had a small card attached to it.
Hey Lil, Hope you are having a good holiday. I know I am. Enjoy the present. Sincerely, Remus P.S. I suggest naming him James.
Inside the parcel was a teddy bear. Lily touched it's nose. It was adorable. Kind of like James, really.
The next package was from Sirius. There was no note attached. She opened up the parcel to find not a present, but another box and then another and yet another. Several boxes later, she found a bit of parchment. It read simply:
I owe you. Sirius
Lily snorted. Not that she was surprised. She quickly unwrapped the next box to find a note and some sparkling powder in a bag. The bag read 'Wishes Can Come True'. She opened the letter curiously.
Dear Lily, I hope you like your present. It is pixie dust. Take a pinch and sprinkle it on yourself and something good will happen. Happy Christmas! Agatha
She wasn't too sure about 'something good happening', but she knew she had read something about the magical uses of pixie dust and hoped it would prove useful.
The next package was from Elysa. She ripped it open. For some odd reason it contained a harmonica. She shrugged and grabbed up the last thing. It was a letter. She ripped it open.
Dear Lily, I am afraid your present can't be sent through mail. You'll see what I mean later. Love (Not like that), James
Lily thought to herself, Yeah right. He probably just forgot to get me something.
**** Lily was halfway asleep, when she heard a bloodcurdling scream. She looked out through her door, that was cracked open, and saw a flash of green light. Then, she saw a body fall backward and land with a sickening thud. Oh my God. This can't be happening! Lily thought, panicking.
She went out her window, and climbed through the shrubs over to Petunias window. Luckily, it was open. She leaned in and called softly, "Petunia, Petunia, we have got to get out of here, now!"
Shaking, Petunia crawled out. "But what about mum and dad, Lily? We can't just leave them!"
Lily choked back tears. "You don't understand Petunia. They're gone. I saw everything. Now come on."
They crept into the woods behind their house and waited there, shivering in the cold, crying.
Lily awoke to her someone shouting, "Oi! They're alive! Over here!" A young wizard stood in front of them. "Don't you kids worry. We'll have you out of here and safe in a jiffy. Name's Frank Longbottom."
The two girls spent the remainder of the day speaking to inquiring neighbors, trying to help tidy the mess, and mourning.
By night fall, Petunia and Lily's grandmother had showed up. Petunia would be living with her, and Lily would be returning to school. Lily thought it best to go ahead and get back to Hogwarts, so she owled Dumbledore. His response came almost immediately. He gave her permission to return to the castle early and sent his condolences.
The knight bus pulled up with a screech. Lily reached out to hug her sister, but Petunia pulled away. "I can't believe you! It's your fault mom and dad are dead, and now you are going to go away and leave me here all alone," She ended with a shriek.
"I'm sorry Tunia, but I have to go. I'll be back for summer vacation though."
"Don't bother! I never want to speak to you again," Petunia yelled to Lily's retreating back. Lily gave her sister one final sad glance and stepped aboard the Knight Bus.
AN: Well, I hope that wasn't too bad. I decided to make lily and Petunia friends because I don't think two sisters could really hate each other that much. Something big would have had to come between them first. And it just did! Thanks, and let me know if you see any errors.REVIEW.puhleez?